After thirty years of serving the Greater Manchester Community, Chief Superintendent Caroline Ball, Divisional Commander for Stockport, Tameside and Oldham is hanging up her hat.

Chief Superintendent Ball first joined Greater Manchester Police in 1986 as a Police Constable in Levenshulme, although she is originally from Tameside. It was her desire to support her local community that led her to a career in the force.

Caroline’s subsequent rise through the ranks took her all over Greater Manchester before she finally became Chief Superintendent.

Reflecting on three decades of policing, Chief Superintendent Caroline Ball said: “I’ve met some amazing people throughout my time and I can truly say there has never been a standout moment in my career as every aspect has been a memory, be it good or bad.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside residents, partners, police staff and officers to keep communities safe and feel extremely fortunate to have worked with so many fantastic people.

“Working for Greater Manchester Police has given me some amazing memories, which I will treasure forever.”

Despite her success, Caroline never forgot the reasons she joined the police, and at the heart of everything she did was her compassion for Tameside and the other communities she served and the officers and staff she worked with.

She has built lasting relationships with those and as a wellbeing coach she has taken a personal interest and an active role in the care of her staff.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “I want to thank Caroline for her dedication and leadership of policing across a number of areas.

“She has made a huge contribution to the communities she has served, who have been her priority from her first day on the beat. Her commitment to the welfare of her staff and colleagues will mean she will be greatly missed by all who have worked with her.